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Topic Review (Newest First)

06-11-2013 05:30 PM

Dauntless Brent

Re: New to Sailing

Welcome. If you think that it's some thing that you want to do, just do it. I did the whole ASA school thing and I'm glad that I did. But at the same time I have learned a whole lot more by just doing it and learning from mistakes. Navigation is really easy. It shouldn't take more than a couple of days to get a good grasp on it. You can also start learning now, without the boat. Get Chart #1 (The book is called "Chart #1". I think that you can even download it for free) and the Annapolis Book of Seamanship. Those are 2 books that every sailor should own.

06-07-2013 09:57 PM

Windclimber

Re: New to Sailing

Don't overlook the FREE instruction you can get on YouTube. Some of the sailing videos are not worth the time, but some are fantastic. Look for the videos by ppconsultant - very clear explanations!
Also, I tell people that learning to sail is like learning to drive a stick shift - it looks harder than it is, and when you're just beginning to learn you wonder how people can do it while they're having conversations, but if you just try, at first you have to focus on it and then before you know it, it'll be second nature, like tying your shoes. So, have fun, and enjoy the process!

06-06-2013 11:06 AM

Teamstone

Re: New to Sailing

Not looking to hijack the thread, but Jimbo can you PM me?

I just bought a Allmand 35 and see you have a 31. I just joined the board and can't send PMs yet.

Thanks

06-06-2013 10:00 AM

jimgo

Re: New to Sailing

Welcome. I'll echo the earlier comment about jumping in with both feet. If you can't find good classes near you, a small boat (14-22') is a great option. The smaller boats (14-18') are very light weight and can be towed by many different types of vehicles (my Toyota Solara is technically rated to be able to tow my 15' Albacore). If you have the means to afford it, buying one and keeping it rigged at the lake/river/bay is a great option, but if not these smaller boats can be set up in 20-40 minutes, and tear-down takes about as long. The bigger small boats (18-22) are a bit heavier and harder to trailer, their set-up/tear down takes a bit longer, and they more frequently require 2 people (though there are ways of doing it solo). The beauty of a light boat is that it doesn't have a lot of inertia, which makes it easier to get it to stop by hand as you execute a controlled "crash" into the dock. The down side of a light boat is that they don't have a lot of inertia, so when you're out on the water, things happen faster. Gusts of wind that might barely register on a 25' might cause you to jump to action on a 14' to keep from excessive heeling. That being said, if you can master small boat sailing, you'll be well on your way toward learning how a big boat sails.

The biggest advantage, though, of owning your own boat is that YOU control when you get out, the conditions under which it happens, and most importantly, YOU get to do all the hands-on learning. As others have said, the basics of sailing isn't rocket science. Sure, as you get more advanced you start looking at the "shape" of the sails, how air flows over them, etc., how the hull design impacts your desired sailing performance, etc., but for now, buy a cheap boat and get on with it! If you hate it, sell/give away the boat. If you love it, you'll be starting a great adventure.

06-06-2013 08:55 AM

Lady Adoryan

New to Sailing

Welcome!

06-06-2013 05:58 AM

MarkBarrett

Re: New to Sailing

welcome to this community you are now on the most adventurous place and that would make you more and more enthusiastic and committed. enjoy

06-05-2013 11:46 PM

SHNOOL

Re: New to Sailing

Welcome aboard, and you have made a decision that'll change your life forever (in a good way).

06-05-2013 10:28 PM

newbie139

Re: New to Sailing

I should say I'm very interested in the navigation course's,would hate to get lost in an ocean

06-05-2013 10:23 PM

newbie139

Re: New to Sailing

Thanks for the welcome,we have never chartered or been sailing until yesterday we had our first class given by our YMCA under US sailing, it is just basic keel boat but it is a start
it is the only class offered where we live OKLA. so if anyone can recommend a good school
it would be much appreciated.
Thanks
D&L

06-02-2013 09:57 PM

CaribDream

Charter

Have you ever chartered a boat before? Chartering with a crew will allow you to safely get a taste of living aboard to see if it's something you really like. My wife and I did this a few times before finally contracting with a school to obtain our ASA 101, 103, 104 (bareboat certification). We chose to use a live-aboard school in which we lived with 2 instructors, 1-on-1 instruction for a week, no other students. We spent 3 months prior to our school studying the ASA material. Just my own humble experience, but to us it was worth every penny. Now we can move on in gaining experience with confidence.

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